Navigating my twenties

Successful people read differently

I received a lot of self-help books for Christmas. I’m not sure what that means the people in my life are trying to tell me, but after hearing about the reading habits of successful people I’m all for it. Here’s what I found while researching.

Successful people:

read for education and self-improvement rather than entertainment.

they choose autobiographies of highly successful people over celebrity gossip.

make reading a part of their daily lifestyle. Most of my research found the person finishing 1-2 books a week – many of the highly successful people were averaging 1 a day!

they are selective in their online reading, only choosing to read something if it is helping them or their goal.

they make notes on what they’re reading, jotting down advice and tips that will help them on their way.

If you’re looking for some motivational reads of your own, I’ve shared some of my favourites that I’ve found so far. I don’t quite have it down to 1 a day yet – how does anyone have time? If you have any self-development books that you think I should check out, then please share with me by commenting below!

Screw Work Break Free by John Williams

This book has been one of my personal favourites. It’s ideal for anyone who dreams of leaving their job to pursue their own thing, whether that’s freelancing, a book, a business or just a project. It doesn’t tell you to quit your job and chase your dream; instead it tells you how to start your project on the side of your job – in 30 days to be exact. As someone who’s trying to start her own venture, I find this is the one that I turn to the most when I’m in need of some motivation. Each step is broken down into days, where a 20-minute task is given each day to keep you going.

The Defining Decade: Why Your Twenties Matter and How to Make the Most of them Now by Meg Jay

If you haven’t seen the Ted Talk, go watch it now. Especially if you’re in your late teens/twenties. This book is for both guys and gals within this age group – if you’re any older I wouldn’t advise it now as you’ll be wishing you found it earlier. Meg argues that your twenties are the most defining decade of your life – all the choices you make now affect who you will be for the rest of your life. As a clinical psychologist she makes a very strong case, especially with her patient stories that will be some of the most relatable scenarios you’ll ever hear. The book is broken down into work, love and brain-and-the-body. Even if you’re not a reader, this ones very easy to read and I highly recommend reading the work section.

Not one for everyone, but again if you want to start your own business/project then I highly recommend reading this. Puluzzi argues that the traditional method of building a business has changed. Rather than spending ages on a business plan and building the perfect product to unleash onto an audience, he says now it’s done the opposite way. Build your audience first through social media and content i.e blogging, vlogging, podcasts, and then when the time has come for your product – you already have the audience there to sell it to. This book tells you how to get there and is the one I recommend the most for anyone taking this route.

How to Get From Where You Are to Where You Want to Be by Jack Canfield

I’m currently reading this one so I can’t give a full review, but so far I’ve found this really motivating. Jack Canfield built an 80 million dollar business from nothing and shares his principles for success that have been used – and worked – by successful men and women for decades – himself included. There’s a couple of things that I haven’t agreed with but I definitely recommend this if you’re in need of a motivational push. My favourite part so far has been ‘taking responsibility for your life.’ Everything that we can complain out – our jobs, our financial situation, our relationships – rather than blaming it on others or external circumstances, we need to start taking full blame for it. Once you’ve done this and realised you are 100% responsible for everything that has happened to you in the past, you’ll see that you have full control and responsibility over your future.

Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes

Creator of Greys Anatomy, Scandal and How to Get Away with Murder, Shonda Rhimes always said no. To dinner invitations, social events, giving speeches or interviews, even accepting compliments. Her book chronicles how much her and her life changes when she starts saying yes to everything. If you’re someone who finds themselves holding back, not fully being yourself or nervous to network or fully going for what you want, read this book. It’s for shy gals and introverts everywhere.

Please share any that you’ve found as I’m currently hunting for more!

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